Narratives of Resistance: International Holocaust Children’s Literature as a Site for Peace Literacy

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring Diversity in Play in Children's Storytelling

Abstract

This study presents a critical multicultural qualitative content analysis of 30 international children’s books about the Holocaust. The study examines diverse character experiences across gender, nationality, and socio-economic backgrounds to explore how these texts promote peace education. Grounded in critical discourse and a peace education framework, the research highlights how Holocaust children’s literature fosters historical understanding and counters antisemitism by cultivating justice and human dignity. The findings emphasize the importance of culturally authentic narratives that engage multiple peacemaking dimensions offering educators a way to select literature that supports courageous children’s books for students.

Author

• Jan Lacina, Texas Christian University